Working in Japan has taught me many lessons, not only about the job itself but also about people. Over the years, I have worked in different companies and met coworkers from different backgrounds and personalities. One thing I have learned is that every workplace has its own challenges, especially for those who are just starting.
Most of the time, I have seen social media posts from some newcomers expressing frustration about veteran workers. Some describe experienced employees as acting “like they own the company” . To be fair, I have also met people who genuinely behaved that way. They acted as though they had authority over everyone else, even when they held the same position. Those personalities exist in some workplaces.
However, it is unfair to assume that every veteran worker is like that.
As someone who has been working in Japan for many years, I would like to share my own perspective.
Although I have years of experience, I am still a regular employee. I respect the boundaries of my position. I do not interfere with another person’s work unless management asks me to train, guide, or assist. I believe every employee has a role, and I try not to overstep mine.
If a coworker asks me a question, I am always willing to answer and share what I know. Beyond that, I prefer to let people perform their own responsibilities. I am naturally quiet and private. I focus on doing my work well rather than involving myself in matters that are outside my role.
When I was new, there were no other Filipinos to guide me. I learned by observing, asking questions when necessary, and adapting to the company’s way of doing things. I had to adjust on my own to cope with the work environment. It was not easy, but that experience taught me independence, patience, and resilience.
Because of that experience, I understand how difficult it is to be new. At the same time, I also understand the importance of respecting workplace boundaries.
Being a regular employee also comes with responsibilities. If I see someone violating company rules, ignoring safety procedures, or creating quality issues, I cannot simply pretend I did not notice. Reporting an issue or reminding someone about company standards is not about acting like the boss. It is about fulfilling my responsibility as an employee and helping protect my coworkers, the company, and the quality of our work.
Among Filipinos, there is often an unspoken belief that we should look out for one another. I agree. But supporting one another does not mean overlooking mistakes that could affect safety, quality, or the success of the team. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is remind a coworker before a small mistake becomes a bigger problem.
Respect should go both ways.
Veteran workers should communicate with patience, humility, and professionalism. Experience should never become an excuse for arrogance.
Likewise, newcomers should recognize that guidance is not always an attempt to control them. Sometimes an experienced coworker is simply sharing lessons learned through years of doing the same job. Experience has value, even when it comes from someone who holds the same position.
At the end of the day, we all wear the same company uniform. We all work toward the same goals. Whether we are newcomers or veterans, our success depends not on who has been there the longest, but on how well we work together with mutual respect, professionalism, and a willingness to learn from one another.
